Lafondas of Baton Rouge

two words..."LaFondas Revenge"

This place is still open???

I remember going there as a kid and getting a taco salad and a cherry Coke with real cherries. Loved that place...

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I always get La Fonda and El Rio Grande confused

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Rio Grande is Mexican-owned, the small place closer to Florida Blvd. They used to claim to be the oldest Mexican restaurant in BR, though La Fonda might be. Rio Grande's strong point is that they make everything from scratch, it was owned by a father who eventually let his son manage it. I haven't eaten there in years, though I keep in touch with the owner.

La Fonda is owned by the Greek family that grew up in Mexico. I stopped by there one time, but wasn't feeling the vibe too much and left (nobody was eating, there were only a bunch of really old people at the bar).

Nobody ever mentions the food at Rio Grande to me, nor La Fonda, so I don't have much of a reason to go to either.

Ate there Friday nite at the invite of my parents, who like many old-timers from the area are weekly regulars and have been for years. Having gone to this place since I was kid, I'll offer this:

Its been at the present location many years, but originally was up Airline near Plank, (next to the old Bowling Alley). It had went WAY downhill, but the change in management over recent years has been an improvement. I would venture to guess that the bad reviews you constantly hear are from those who dined there a long time ago. Its old, nothing fancy, its really not as bad as some make it out to be and it won't cost you a fortune. The way the prepare their Ground Beef and the Beef Enchiladas are as good as any other place in BR IMO.

This place has a solid local long time following, but its on the "wrong" side of town, much like the old Don's Seafood just up Airline.

el rio grande is just a basic made from scratch tex mex place owned by good friendly people,a hidden institution and they do make some fine food as well as margaritas and homemade hot tamales.His rice is even good!!!! Kinda reminds me of the Franks of Tex Mex. I love it.

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Low grade dogfood.

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thats not really fair..........its not frickin Taco Bell or Cactus Cafe.

I go there every few weeks and enjoy the place for what its worth.

Mostly for the Margaritta's and always been a big fan of the beef Nachos.

I used to live on Lafonda Margarittas and Beef Nachos alone


Usually find me sitting in the lounge.
Never crowded and I can usually walk in and be served in minutes.

The new Crawfish Chimichanga is good as are most of the Entree's ....

However all that said, the sides they serve are usually awful, just think of them as a garnish and you will be OK.



The food has gotten better as of late.

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Another note, the guy that owned Carlos is family to the Rio Grande owner, maybe a brother, and the son of the Carlos owner now owns Meztizo's..............I think I got this right, but Afreaux could prolly confirm.

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Normally I would know everything about a restaurant down to the hometown of the busboys, but Mestizo's is one of the few restaurants that I'm not too familiar with. I know a little bit about the owner Jim Urdiales, but haven't met him. I just know that Mestizo's has a fairly loyal following.